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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
(Athens, Greece)

For Immediate Release

November 20, 1999

JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PRESIDENT
AND PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS

Foyer of Megaron Maximou
Athens, Greece

1:20 P.M. (L)

PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS: With very special pleasure, the Greek government and
the Greek people and I, personally, are welcoming President Clinton and the
American delegation. This visit is confirming the historic friendship relations
between the two countries and between our two people -- a relationship that
has been kept alive by the Greeks who have lived and are still living creatively
in the United States, by the common struggles in other times, by our close relationship
and partnerhsip within the North Atlantic Alliance, political solidarity and
cooperation -- our cooperation for our common goals.

With President Clinton we had a very friendly, open and free discussion. During
our talks we covered all issues, those which under the present situation have
a certain importance from our country. Going from Greek American relations to
developments in the Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. We
agreed as regards Greek-American relations that there is still considerable
margin for the improvement of the cooperation between the two countries.

Greece, thanks to its economic renewal these last few years, provides new
major opportunities for investments, trade, relations, relations in the field
of technology and other areas. For the Balkans, our conviction is that the present
situation entails certain risks. Stability is necessary in the region, respect
of existing borders, and the strengthening of initiatives for the reconstruction
of the region -- and, above all, the implementation, of the stability pact.

As regards relations with neighboring Turkey, we have emphasized the need of
deserving international law and international treaties and conventions. Rapprochement,
steps towards rapprochement, have been made recently. We believe that the most
substantial answer is required on the part of Turkey to the initiatives of the
Greek side.

We have agreed that Turkey's European perspective will help establish closer
links based on peaceful development and cooperation. However, its candidature
could not be accepted unless certain conditions are met for the settlement of
existing problems. As regards the Cyprus issue, we have agreed that talks that
have just started should be substantive in order to lead to the settlement of
this issue.

The talks with the United States political leadership are, of course, self-understood.
We have had a very interesting exchange of views, as I said, on all important
issues for us.
And we have also ascertained the friendly relations between the American and
the Greek people, the close ties -- not only at a political and economic level
but also at the level of signs and culture where we believe our relations and
cooperation should be extended. The friendship between our two peoples is confirmed
by the substantial presence and role of Greek community in the United States
successfully it is making full use of all its rights as an American citizen.

Greece is a pole of democracy, political stability, social and political cohesion
in the wider region. Its potential is much greater compared to the size of the
country and its population. We have established that it is in the interest of
both countries for our cooperation to safeguard and promote peace development
and a network of relations in the region that would minimize tension, and this
is why we will pursue and strengthen our cooperation with the United States.

This visit does not just confirm the past but also constitutes a guarantee for
the future where, together, we
can respond to the new challenges -- the new challenges of a new era, of a new
reality that is taking shape at the end of this century -- based on mutual understanding,
equal cooperation, common resolve and determination to face problems together,
provide new answers, build on the values of democracy, freedom shared by our
people, which are defended by our people, the values that we want to promote.

PRESIDENT CLINTON: First of all, Prime Minister, let me thank you and the
members of your government for the very good meeting that we had today. I think
the Prime Minister has summarized the results of our meeting quite well. I would
like to add just a few words.

First, the Greek relationship is profoundly important to me and to the United
States, because of the values and history we share; because of the large role
Greek-Americans play in our national life, as the Prime Minister said. But also
because of two historic transformations that have occurred in the last decade.

The first is the transformation of southeast Europe from a battleground between
east and west to a proving ground for democracy and tolerance in the post-Cold
War world. The second is the remarkable transformation of Greece itself into
a regional leader with a booming economy, a vibrant democracy; with the ability
to help to pull its neighbors together and push them forward into 21st century
Europe.

We spoke a lot today about the role Greece is playing in the Balkans -- with
its troops in Bosnia and Kosovo, with its support for economic development and
reconstruction, with its private sector investment. Greece is carrying a heavier
burden in this region than almost any other country; but the potential payoff
is very large: an undivided, democratic Europe in which wars like those we've
seen in the former Yugoslavia no longer happen. And I want to pay a tribute
to the Prime Minister and the people of Greece for all they are doing in the
Balkans, and pledge my support for the stability pact and the economic growth
necessary for this to work.

Of course, we also spoke about the road to reconciliation and lasting peace
between Greece and Turkey, and the issues in the Aegean and, of course, Cyprus.
I told the Prime Minister how pleased I am that the parties in Cyprus have agreed
to start these proximity talks on December 3rd in New York, and how determined
I am that they be serious talks. The goal is to lay the foundation for meaningful
negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement. We should have no illusions;
there's a tough road ahead. But we will work closely with Secretary General
Annan to ensure that the talks are productive.

We talked about our growing trade and investment, about how we can strengthen
our economic relationship further.

Greece's economic renewal has made it one of the most attractive places in
Europe in which to do business. I am very pleased at its progress at improving
protection for intellectual property rights makes it possible to move rapidly
toward settling our copyright case in the WTO.

Finally, let me just express the great sympathy and support of the American
people to all those who lost their loved ones in the tragic earthquake last
August. We will not forget the heroism of the Greek emergency teams who pulled
survivors from the rubble, not only here in Athens, but also across the Aegean
in Turkey. I am very glad that our own Federal Emergency Management Agency has
agreed with its Greek counterparts to work together to strengthen their preparedness
for future disasters.

Let me say, in closing, I am satisfied with the work we advanced today. We
look to -- as I said last night, we look to ancient Greece for inspiration,
but to modern Greece for leadership and for partnership. After this visit, I
believe we have strengthened that partnership.

Thank you very much.

Q From what we know, you did ask while you were in Turkey for some specific
move by Ankara that would match the moves Greece has done in order, also, to
make her candidacy for the European Union easier. Do you have anything concrete
on that?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, I didn't think that was my role. Let me tell you
what I did do. I spoke both at every opportunity, publicly and privately --
before the Turkish Assembly, before the business group, before the group of
earthquake survivors and in all my private meetings about the importance of
resolving outstanding issues between Greece and Turkey, including Cyprus.

I specifically asked that the Halki Seminary be reopened. I have pushed a lot
of issues. And I came away believing that in the next few months, as all these
issues are bubbling up -- the start of the proximity talks, the debate over
whether Turkey should be given candidacy status in the EU at Helsinki and the
continuing bilateral talks between Greece and Turkey -- which I applaud the
Prime Minister's government for his leadership in -- that there will be an opportunity
to resolve a large number of these issues.

I hope that my trip there was constructive in that regard. I believe it was.
But I would not expect the Turkish leaders to let me be the conduit of their
ultimate resolution of this. I think that I helped to improve the climate and
I have dealt with a lot of the specific issues and I feel good about that.

PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS: Let me add two words for my part. During the meeting
ahead with Mr. Ecevit and during Mr. Papandreou's meeting with Mr. Cem, we emphasized
the need of certain movements and initiatives on the part of Turkey. And I believe
that President Clinton's visit was important because he referred to that question
and it has helped, as well as the talks we had with the Turkish side on increasing
awareness on the part of Turkey that things are not that easy. We cannot just
expect for something to happen without doing or contributing anything for our
part. You help yourself and God will help you, as we say. We have to do something
for our part, as well.

Q Sir, the demonstrations last night included extensive arson and damage.
I want to know if you're concerned by the protests, and what you say to the
Greeks who oppose your visit here.

THE PRESIDENT: What was the last part of your question?

Q What's your message to the Greeks who are protesting, who oppose your visit
here?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I think that we have to -- especially in
Greece -- reaffirm the right of people to protest in a democracy. Secondly,
I strongly believe the protests should be peaceful and, therefore, I deeply
regret the Greeks who had their property injured and who suffered losses through
these demonstrations.

But I think that the important thing is that we reaffirm the value of the
relationship between our two countries. I think that -- I know most Americans
deeply value the relationship with Greece, notwithstanding the fact that almost
all of the people of Greece disagree with our policy in Kosovo, and before that
in Bosnia. I believe I did the right thing, and I think most Americans believe
that we did the right thing to stand against ethnic cleansing.

But that doesn't affect our affection for, and our support for the people
of Greece and the government of Greece. And I would hope that most Greek citizens
would, like the Greek government, believe that there is value in our relationship
and our partnership; and that even if we have a disagreement, we can't allow
that to undermine our relationship or our partnership.

I would just say, looking toward the future, I, personally, admire very much
and support very strongly the leadership that Greece is exercising in operations
in Bosnia and in Kosovo and generally in the Balkans and throughout southeastern
Europe. And I believe that if we can, the rest of us, do our part to help the
economy grow there and provide a magnet that enables these nations to pull together,
that Greece will lead them into a very different future in the new century.

PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS: Greece is a country, a democratic country, where everyone
can freely express his views and opinions. But as we had emphasized before President
Clinton's arrival, our constitution provides that these expressions of opinions
and views should be made in a peaceful way, and within the context of legality.
And I'm sorry for the fact that certain people did not observe and respect this
fundamental principle of law -- the fundamental principle that allows our states
to operate and function.

The friendship, however, between the two people, and the partnership, our
partnership with the United States, will not be determined by these protests,
but by our common goals, our common objectives and pursuits, our efforts to
handle and face problems together. And the meeting today has shown that we share
common goals and common pursuits, and we're trying together. This is the foundation
of a friendship.

Q Mr. President, I followed your trip in Ankara, and you seemed to be mostly
the strongest supporter of Turkey's candidacy in the European Union. So do you
think that the permanent conditionality of Turkey's candidacy should be first,
the solution of the Cyprus problem and, second, the acceptance of the jurisdiction
of Turkey, as far as the court of Hague is concerned?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understood the question. Could you
repeat both questions again?

Q Yes, one question actually. You seem to be the strongest supporter of Turkey's
accession in the European Union. So the question is: do you believe or think
that the permanent conditionality for Turkey's candidacy in the European Union
should be, first, the solution of the Cyprus problem and, second, the acceptance
of the jurisdiction of a Hague court from Turkey?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I believe -- I have said this already. I
believe that the disputes in the Aegean between Greece and Turkey should be
referred to the International Court of Justice in the Hague, or to some other
mutually agreed on and generally recognized international dispute resolution
mechanism. It seems to me that that is the only way that either side can have
a resolution of this without appearing to cave in rather than just to let a
neutral party, respected, decide it.

Secondly, I strongly support a resolution of the Cyprus issue. You're right,
I am probably the strongest supporter in the West of Turkey's membership in
the EU. I think I've also been the most vocal consistent supporter for seven
years of a resolution of Cyprus. I have worked as hard as I could on it and
will continue to do so.

Now, when the parties meet in Helsinki, the members of the European Union --
the United States is not a member -- they will decide the conditions of Turkish
candidacy if, in fact, they decide to grant Turkey candidacy.

But let me say, on the larger issue my feeling is that the more Turkey is
integrated into Europe, and has the kind of dialogue that we've seen recently
with Greece; the more the climate improves; the more you can resolve these issues,
the brighter the future for both countries will be. And as I told the Turks
-- I'm not saying anything to you I didn't say there -- I do not think that
bright future is achievable until there is a resolution of the Cyprus issue.
These two countries need to go hand-in-hand into the future. And the festering
disputes have to be resolved in order for that to happen.

PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS: As I have indicated already, the Greek government,
and I, personally, have had a series of contacts. I have met and talked with
all the prime ministers of the European Union member states on that issue. I
have talked with them in order to determine what would be the best way that
would allow us to overcome problems in the future. It would be counterproductive,
I believe, if today, once these talks are ongoing, we were to focus on one or
the other point or issue. This would not facilitate the discussion.

I believe that in the future the time will come for us to determine all these
aspects. But at present, restriction to one or two or three issues is not helpful.
We must have a global approach and look at the final aim of this overall effort.

Thank you.

Q Mr. President, yesterday, George W. Bush laid out his foreign policy priorities.
Specifically on China and Russia, he said they should be viewed as competitors
of the United States rather than as strategic partners. I'm wondering what your
view is on that and, also, do you feel reassured that he has a view of the world
that would make him an effective president?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: You know, you guys keep trying to get me into this election.
I am not a candidate. I'm not always happy about that, but I'm not.

Let me say this. I think we did the right thing to negotiate the WTO agreement
with China, and apparently, Governor Bush agrees with that. I think that as
with all great countries, we are both competitors and partners. I think there
is a problem with characterizing a country as a competitor if that means we
know for sure that for the next 20 years there will be an adversary relationship.

We will have certain interests in common with China, we will have certain
things we disagree with. We will support a lot of their domestic developments.
We still have great trouble when people -- free speech or religious rights are
restrained.

With regard to Russia, we have a difference, as you know, and the OSCE conference
made clear over the present policy in Chechnya, but we have a common interest
in working together where we can. We have served side by side with Russian soldiers
in the Balkans, we have seen the Russians withdraw their troops from the Baltics,
we have seen a dramatic reduction in the nuclear capacity, the nuclear threat
there. The Congress just gave us the funds to continue to reduce the nuclear
threat with Russia. And we have worked with them on economic reform.

So I would say that in both cases there will be instances of competition, instances
of partnership. But what we should be looking for is a world in which nations,
including very large nations, will find their greatness by the achievements
of their people and by their ability to profit in their relations with other
nations by bringing out the best in them, instead of by the traditional 19th
and 20th century great power politics terms defining their greatness in terms
of their ability to dominate their neighbors or coerce certain people into certain
kinds of behavior.

So I think we have to imagine -- I have a whole different view of this -- we
should imagine what would we like the world to look like 50 years from now;
what major countries will have an impact on that; how will we compete with them;
how will we cooperate with them; what can we do that will most likely create
the world we want for our grandchildren. That's the way I look at this. So I
don't have an either/or view of Russia or China. I have a both view, I suppose.

PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS: We should not be afraid of competitors. We should
be afraid of ourselves when we are afraid of others.